Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

I went one evening, alone. And it felt really good—just being out there by myself, with no expectations.

The Art

The first thing I entered was an exhibition inspired by people post-Covid. The artworks pulled me in. Some were so colorful they felt almost trippy—faces smiling, but the smiles didn’t feel real. They carried glamour, like they were living the moment, but inside… maybe they were breaking.

I saw myself in them. I saw strangers I’ve passed by. I saw the world.

There were candies and chocolates, fishes, and bursts of red, pink, green, blue. All of it was bright, hypnotic, like it wanted to swallow me whole.

Alserkal itself feels like a little world made only of art. Walking alone, I felt like I found a small piece of myself again.

The stores were full of beautiful but very expensive things. Things I’d never buy. I don’t get why beauty is always priced so high. Maybe it’s not about the piece itself, but about the artist’s education, their reputation. It feels both real and absurd at the same time.

The Theatre

There’s also a small theatre there, showing indie films and short films. It’s the kind of place for intellectuals who like “thoughtful cinema.” The curation looked amazing—old movies, new ones, all aesthetic. But the tickets were 200 dirhams. A lot for me. Nice to look at, but not for my pocket.

Aesthetic and Expensive

Being there, I realized something: a lot of aesthetic things are expensive on purpose. Maybe because being “cool” is costly. But it left me wondering—who really buys all this? Probably just the very rich. For the rest of us, it’s an experience, something to see and feel for a while.

The Korean Snack Shop

My favorite part—this tiny store selling Korean snacks. I tried an ice cream with corn inside. First time. It surprised me but I liked it. For a moment, I felt like I’d been transported to Seoul. The lady there was kind and suggested snacks to me, which made the whole thing even nicer.

Cafes & Gardens

There are cafes scattered all around. Perfect spots to sit, sip coffee, work, or just be lost in thought. One garden in the middle of the gallery stood out—it was spooky but calming. A woman’s voice echoed, almost like a guided meditation, while laser lights played on the walls.

The hidden Library

One last treasure—the library. A huge wall of books, quiet and timeless, like an old European library. I sat there reflecting on my life.

I thought: maybe I don’t want to run so much. Maybe I don’t want to chase. If I choose art or music in my life, I want it to be for love, never for money. I’d rather paint for joy, sing for love, and meet others who feel the same.

vibe

From outside, Alserkal looks like a cluster of warehouses. Inside, it’s a warehouse of art—raw, rustic, immersive. The people I met were warm, which softened the edges of the place.

But if I’m honest, some of the art felt too commercial—too polished. I think art can also be small, cute, homely. Something that hugs you, instead of just impressing you.

Would I Go Again?

Maybe—if there’s a festival, or a fun event with more of a community vibe. I’d love to meet people who love art for art, not the ones who only talk about money. Because when art and money mix, it can look beautiful, but it doesn’t always touch the soul.

If you’re in Dubai, I’d say visit Alserkal Avenue at least once. Keep an eye on their events—something might catch your heart. Or if you live nearby, it could even become your little corner to work, sip coffee, and get lost in thought.